Sr. M. Susan McVicker, RSM

Sister Susan McVicker, RSM (Florence L.), a Pittsburgh Sister of Mercy for 74 years, died at UPMC Mercy Hospital on May 10, 2020.  Born in McKeesport, Pa. she was 92 years old.  Daughter of Hugh F. and Frances (Bradley) McVicker, Sister Susan entered the Sisters of Mercy from St. Peter Parish in McKeesport, Pa. in 1946 and made final vows in 1951. 

She received a degree in Education from Mount Mercy College, and earned certificates from various continuing education programs to prepare her to work with the elderly. In the early days of her ministry, Sister Susan taught in area Catholic elementary schools including Holy Family in Latrobe, St. Peter North Side, St. Maurice in Forest Hills, St. Mary 46th Street, and John F. Kennedy in Washington, Pa.  Sister Susan also worked in social service ministry at Corpus Christi Residence for Women from 1972-1991.  She later served at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Mercy in Oakland as director of programs and ministry of companioning and on the infirmary staff at Mercy Hall. Her favorite ministry was working with the elderly -- particularly persons with dementia or Alzheimer’s. “When you spend enough time with them,” she noted, “they seem to know you and show joy in the recognition.” 

Preceded in death by her parents, brothers James, William, Hugh, and Vincent McVicker and sisters Helen Ritchea, Elizabeth Charney, and Margaret Kutz, Sister Susan is survived by nieces Alice Marcenelle of Port Vue and Patricia Harris of Steubenville, OH. Arrangements entrusted to the EDWARD P. KANAI FUNERAL HOME, 500 Greenfield Avenue. Interment in St. Xavier’s Cemetery, Latrobe, Pa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 3333 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213 or Carlow University Scholarship Fund. 

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